Robert Brown Theatre packs them in for performances of Mary Poppins

Cowley College’s Visual and Performing Arts Department performed Disney and Cameron Mackintosh’s Mary Poppins, a musical based on the stories of P.L. Travers and the Walt Disney film, to large audiences November 9-11 inside the Robert Brown Theatre.

The performance was directed and choreographed by theatre director Cara Kem.

“Mary Poppins is overall the most difficult show I have ever worked,” Kem said. “From the music to performing and choreography to tech, every detail is demanded, and we refused to give a less than a Practically Perfect performance.”

David Smith served as the music director, and Lindsay Allen was the assistant music director. John Rohr handled the scene design, Kim Wong served as stage manager, while Raeven Blackbull and Megan Roth were assistant stage managers. Jordan Vande Giesen handled sound design.

“I could not be more proud of the product my team created,” Kem said. “I sat back and watched a show that is truly magical, inspires hearts, and makes you leave the theatre with pure joy.”

Based on the classic 1964 Disney film, Mary Poppins is an ageless story of redemption and love.

When Jane and Michael, the children of the wealthy and uptight Banks family, are faced with the prospect of a new nanny, they are pleasantly surprised by the arrival of the magical Mary Poppins, while their parents—and in particular Mr. Banks—are insistent on someone strict for the job. Embarking on a series of fantastical and memorable adventures with Mary, Jane and Michael aren’t the only ones she has a profound effect upon. Even grown-ups can learn a lesson or two from the nanny who advises that “anything can happen if you let it.”

Mary Poppins was presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials were supplied by MTI. www.MTIShows.com

“The outpouring of support from the community was incredible,” Kem said. My cast left me with tears in my eyes each night. How wonderful it was to sit back and see the actors growing in their talents and embodying their characters. I had some incredible talent on that stage, and I just can't believe that I got to be a part of such an incredible journey.”